STUC Women’s Committee ‘Childcare and Economic Growth’ Women’s Council of the Isles Dublin 2013

Good for the economy Supports parents in remaining in work Reduces flexible working requests and negotiations Benefits of early intervention with regard to health and wellbeing; literacy and education Creates jobs – should become growth sector Generates spending power in local economies Childcare as part of our infrastructure

Childcare in Scotland Source - Daycare Trust survey Weekly charges Nursery place 25 hours a week (under 2) £ Nursery place 25 hours a week (over 2) £94.35 Childminder after school pick up £79.63 After School 15 hours £50.46

Working with Parliament Scottish Parliament Trade Union Week February 2012 Roundtable with Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee on the experiences of women and Work 21 Feb 2012 Parliamentary debate June 2012; October 2012 Equal Opportunities Committee Inquiry Women and Work January – April Contribute to evidence sessions Parliamentary Committee Report published 18June

Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee June 2013 recommendation: Childcare remains a significant issue affecting women and work. Crucially, it must not be seen as an early-years issue; parents have to contend with childcare issues up to the age of fifteen, not just the age of five. We ask the Scottish Government what action it can take towards, and to outline a timetable for, the introduction of a statutory right to childcare, including older children and disabled children.

Scottish Government Children and Young People Bill Increase the amount and flexibility of free early learning and childcare from 475 hours a year to a minimum of 600 hours for 3 and 4 year olds, and 2 year olds who are, or have been at any time since turning 2, looked after or subject to a kinship care order. Also contains commitments to obligations under United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Provides for ‘named person’ support for all children and young people